Which amp would you recommend
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Originally Posted by jwa4378,Dec 19 2005, 06:04 PM
Sebring Demon - In case you are new here (and it appears so by the date on your profile) this forum is LITTERED with Electronic Engineers. They know their stuff. As well as some world class car audio competitors and enthusiasts. One of the great draws of this forum......almost everyone knows their stuff.
If you are wondering what a "watt" is, look here:
Definition of a Watt - LOTS of them
S2kinVa is correct in that not all watts are created equal. They can be "measured" the same, and have the same "output", but some brands just produce higher quality sound. Whether it be because of better filters or because of the circuitry involved. With respect to Alpine amps, some people have reservations on just how they produce their power (I do not know the specifics, but there are some people on here who could tell you in GREAT detail). THD does play a role in power, and the accurate reproduction of sound. I am not slamming Kenwood, they are a respectible brand. Just not my brand of choice (like Whiskey.....everyone likes different tastes....I like Crown Royal
). Its a matter of taste.
Also, with regards to "rated" power, there are 2 different types of "rated" power. The power represented by the company, which is the minimal threshold that must be met. And the bench test (with "birth certificate" of the amp) that shows exactly what YOUR amp produces. Alpines, along with several other brands, are notorious for being underrated. While others (Sony, etc.) have been notorious for being overrated. That was the cause for the CEA-2006 to be instated. People were feeling ripped off when they were buying a "Pyle" or "lanzar" amp that represent 300wrms, but were really closer to 150-200wrms. Similar to accountants "cooking the books" during the late 1990's. Technically it was correct, because it was "measured," but the techniques or meaurement varied greatly.
Sorry for the rant.....hope you find this site as useful as I have.
John
PS - I found this article that explains a LOT of stuff in language we can all understand. Including THD and it affect on the rating of an amp (quality vs. quantity).
Techlore article
If you are wondering what a "watt" is, look here:
Definition of a Watt - LOTS of them
S2kinVa is correct in that not all watts are created equal. They can be "measured" the same, and have the same "output", but some brands just produce higher quality sound. Whether it be because of better filters or because of the circuitry involved. With respect to Alpine amps, some people have reservations on just how they produce their power (I do not know the specifics, but there are some people on here who could tell you in GREAT detail). THD does play a role in power, and the accurate reproduction of sound. I am not slamming Kenwood, they are a respectible brand. Just not my brand of choice (like Whiskey.....everyone likes different tastes....I like Crown Royal
). Its a matter of taste.Also, with regards to "rated" power, there are 2 different types of "rated" power. The power represented by the company, which is the minimal threshold that must be met. And the bench test (with "birth certificate" of the amp) that shows exactly what YOUR amp produces. Alpines, along with several other brands, are notorious for being underrated. While others (Sony, etc.) have been notorious for being overrated. That was the cause for the CEA-2006 to be instated. People were feeling ripped off when they were buying a "Pyle" or "lanzar" amp that represent 300wrms, but were really closer to 150-200wrms. Similar to accountants "cooking the books" during the late 1990's. Technically it was correct, because it was "measured," but the techniques or meaurement varied greatly.
Sorry for the rant.....hope you find this site as useful as I have.
John
PS - I found this article that explains a LOT of stuff in language we can all understand. Including THD and it affect on the rating of an amp (quality vs. quantity).
Techlore article
here is something that can be argued as a boo boo.
"Here are some real world power specifications to compare. While reading them, try to figure out which one is probably the better amplifier. For this example, assume that both amps in question contain five channels.
Amp #1 - 75W per channel, 5Hz - 80kHz, @ 8 Ohms, 5 channels driven with no more than .08% THD.
Amp #2 - 100W per channel, 80Hz - 20kHz @ 6 Ohms, 5 channels driven with no more than 1.0% THD."
* Amp #1 has less distortion than amp #2. While distortion is not always a clear indicator of an amps sound quality, it does show that #1 is altering the input signal much less than amp #2. Considering that amp #1 was tested harder than #2, it's impressive that it maintained low distortion under a rigorous test.
amp 1 was tested at 8 ohms, and amp 2 was tested at 6ohms. rigorous test my ass. amp 2 was tested harder than amp 1.
that is all subjective information. i wonder who techlore is related to. this could be some type of bs to help generate sales for a company that they are related to.
i work in the industry. almost all publications of some sort are used to help someone up top.
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From: Tallahassee, FL
OK. The fact is that all watts are not created equal. You state that a watt from amp "A" and a watt from amp "B" are the same with regard to db. Get yourself a Pyle or Lanzar amp that is rated ~ the same as an Alpine amp. Run a db test with a control environment. I guarantee you that the alpine will not only register louder, but it will also register for lower distortion.
I will leave the flaming now....waste of time. MacGyver or Modifry can chime in here and explain everything that i cannot.
John
I will leave the flaming now....waste of time. MacGyver or Modifry can chime in here and explain everything that i cannot.
John
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
SebringDemon - wow, 18 days and making friends i see... 
while the numerical and scientific definition of a watt of electrical based power is a solid fact, in the universe of rated amplifiers -- watts are not watts. it should be that simple, but regretfully, it isn't.
simply because manufacturers rate wattage differently... some rate at 1 center frequency others rate from 20 hz to 20,000 hz. some rate based upon input draw, others based upon output. some will stretch the truth, others will understate.
from the FAQ:
you can read my thoughts, opinions, and more on wattage and the stereo industry's practices.
i sure do hope the OP got his question answered.
oh and....
doesn't all this seem familiar to anyone besides me? anyone? anyone?
while the numerical and scientific definition of a watt of electrical based power is a solid fact, in the universe of rated amplifiers -- watts are not watts. it should be that simple, but regretfully, it isn't.
simply because manufacturers rate wattage differently... some rate at 1 center frequency others rate from 20 hz to 20,000 hz. some rate based upon input draw, others based upon output. some will stretch the truth, others will understate.
from the FAQ:
What's the difference between Watts, Peak Watts, Watts RMS, and Continuous Watts? Aren't Watts Watts? Why is this so confusing? How can I possibly know what I need to buy?
Marketing is what makes it confusing and combined with the fact that most people want to avoid technical specifications, it leaves a lot of room for uncertainty. Hopefully, this portion of the FAQ will help clear up some of the confusion. More than likely, it will leave you with quite a few questions as well.
Marketing is what makes it confusing and combined with the fact that most people want to avoid technical specifications, it leaves a lot of room for uncertainty. Hopefully, this portion of the FAQ will help clear up some of the confusion. More than likely, it will leave you with quite a few questions as well.
i sure do hope the OP got his question answered.
oh and....
please... i had my brax X2400.2 benched recently. lets just say it did not do as well as it is rated.
electrical engineers doesnt automatically mean they know everything. where are the world class competitors? i am one. does that make me right?
i work in the industry. almost all publications of some sort are used to help someone up top.
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Originally Posted by s2kmaniac81,Dec 14 2005, 08:33 AM
I was looking for an amp to run a 10" sub I have it's a MA audio Comp XL1000 500watts RMS and 1000watts peak power. I have some I' currently looking at on ebay. I have listed them below, any input on this situation would be greatly appreciated. I want alot of bass, I want it to hit hard!!! 
JBL AMP
Kenwood Amp #1
Kenwood Amp #2
Power Acoustik
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to stay clos to $100 or cheaper. I know that sucks, that's also why I was looking on ebay. I'm a cheapo since my last system was stolen
JBL AMP
Kenwood Amp #1
Kenwood Amp #2
Power Acoustik
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to stay clos to $100 or cheaper. I know that sucks, that's also why I was looking on ebay. I'm a cheapo since my last system was stolen
If this is just to power the 10" sub. Make sure it is a 2channel only! amp. Go for a decent 2channel ...I'd recom. R.fosgate JL audio ish good. phoenix gold. (200watts min)or(100 watts min RMS) Those power should suffice your subs for time being.
Answer for your question? Don't get any of those....you'll regret wasting your money!!
You can get a better decent one for atleast $250
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Originally Posted by S2KinVA,Dec 20 2005, 08:24 AM
Well obviously, JWA and myself are idiots... thanks for clearing it all up Sebring. I also appreciate that when I asked for everyone to end the flaming you made sure to continue.
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I was referring to someone with the handle IShift@9 (or something like that) you TOOL. Do a search. he was an installer for Circuit City, and was "in the industry". Got banned about half a dozen times! hence why I only quoted the last portion and not all of it!
My My.....sensitive arent we?
MR_ASDF, is that you? you are the only one I know of with a BRAX2400.2 amp. Helluva nice amp. I was considering a SEAS Lotus sub, but now that I see Pikkashoe is having problems with the cone dimpling, I think I am going to go with an Alphasonik.
John
My My.....sensitive arent we?
MR_ASDF, is that you? you are the only one I know of with a BRAX2400.2 amp. Helluva nice amp. I was considering a SEAS Lotus sub, but now that I see Pikkashoe is having problems with the cone dimpling, I think I am going to go with an Alphasonik.
John
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Posts: 7,584
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Originally Posted by SebringDemon,Dec 20 2005, 03:32 PM
he meant MR_ASDF you tool.
however, calling John a tool is in poor form.
John name calling names back is just - well....
to both of you.